Long Distant Holiday Connection Ideas

Relocations of family and friends has changed the old fashioned holiday and those special occasion gatherings. It is hard to have a wonderful holiday when someone dear is so far away. It is just as hard on special occasions like birthdays, and personal milestones. I have a few ideas for keeping the family connections strong even though physically your miles apart.

Video Greetings - Ask your children to video tape Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, and make a copy for you. Have them take pictures of your grandchildren opening, playing with or wearing your gifts to them. You can do the same for birthdays. I've done this for my Mom when she was living 3000 miles away. I still make videos and take photos of my family to exchange with my sister and her family.

Recorded Greeting Cards - Most gift shops and discount stores have a "Record a Greeting Card" machine. They are very easy to use and kids love to have fun singing and saying something into the machine.

Cassette or Video Recordings - Holiday plays, concerts or special occasions can be shared by recording them. Your young grandchildren may even wish make a tape singing the holiday songs they have learned. A poem or holiday greeting can also be recorded and sent along with photos.

Internet Communications - the most immediate way to communicate is through the Internet, email photos and daily events, share news, recipes and fun. Instant messaging is a great surprise - "Grammie I love you" will definitely get a responding message.

Telephone Conversations - Plan weekly calls during the holiday season, ask your grandchild to call you at a special time each week, and talk for about 10 to 15 minutes, find out what fun things they are doing, and share your good times with them. Avoid talking about illness, or the bad things. Keep the conversations light and positive. Remember to call each grandchild on their birthdays, graduations, and any days of significant importance in their lives.

Grand Pen Pal - Remember writing Pen Pal letters when you were a kid, why not start this way of keeping in touch with your grandchild, basically telling interesting news and events from your part of the world. Your grandchild can respond with their news and events from their town and family. They can send you copies of their report cards and photos of their hobbies.

Photo Journaling - Starting a journal on New Year's Eve 2002 and keep weekly or monthly updates. Include pictures of your house decorations, gardens, special occasions, pets and places you go. You can also add news clippings that are relevant to your family and their interests. When you see your loved ones, share the journal. You could also send it to share during the 2002 holiday season, but request it be returned so you may update your holiday events.

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